Best Omega-3 Supplements

While there’s limited research on the health benefits of omega-3 supplements, available studies suggest that they can promote healthy brain, heart, eye, joint, and immune function. If you’re pregnant, these supplements can additionally support healthy fetal development. 

Unfortunately, our bodies don’t have the luxury of naturally producing omega-3s. Our only choice is to obtain them elsewhere. You can always eat an omega-3-rich diet to get them straight from the source. We connected with registered dietitian Trista Best who told us that “a diet that lacks omega-3 or has a significant imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 can lead to poor cognitive function and brain health.” If you regularly eat fish, nuts, grains, and yogurt, these are foods already packed with omega-3s. This diet type might not work for you if you’re lactose-intolerant or not a big fish fan, however. You may instead prefer omega-3 supplements.

After a thorough review of available products on the market, the Glowsly team concluded that these nine omega-3s are worth adding to your supplement lineup. Let’s dive in!

Best omega-3 supplements overview

• Best overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
• Best budget: Nature Made Burp-Less Fish Oil
• Best tasting: Barlean’s Ideal Omega 3
• Best for heart health: Life Extension Super Omega-3
• Best gummies: Nature Made Multi + Omega-3 Gummies
• Best for brain health: America Medic & Science Omega-3 1000 mg
• Best natural: Pure Alaska Omega Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
• Best for joint health: Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Omega
• Best prenatal: Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

How we chose the best omega-3 supplements

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including ingredients, quality standards, and more to create a shortlist of the top omega-3 supplements. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best omega-3 supplements for each category.

Our picks for the best omega-3 supplements

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega softgels are doctor-recommended. The award-winning formula supports an all-around healthier brain, heart, and immune system. Made with 100% wild-caught sardines and anchovies, these two ingredients largely contribute to the product’s freshness and potency. 

Nordic Naturals created this supplement in softgel and liquid form. Each formula contains two of the three main omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Per serving, the softgels offer 1,280 milligrams of total omega-3s, including 650 milligrams of EPA and 450 milligrams of DHA. The liquid contains 2,840 milligrams of total omega-3s, including 1,460 milligrams of EPA and 1,010 milligrams of DHA. Both serving sizes are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

The softgels may smell fishy when you hold them to your nose. On the flip side, the fresh lemon flavor masks the fishy aftertaste that many omega-3 supplements have. The sizing, in particular, may be a bit too bulky for your liking. If you find it difficult to swallow large pills, you may want to opt for the liquid formula instead. Given the supplement’s overall efficacy, it’s still qualified to support you in your total wellness journey.

Size: 90 softgels | Dosage: 2 softgels daily

Nature Made’s Burp-Less Fish Oil can save you from the “fishy burps” you may have to stomach with other omega-3 supplements. The softgels even have a special coating to minimize the fishy aftertaste. It’s available at a good price compared to the other products on this list. At the same time, its quality measures up to the higher-priced competition with its top-tier ingredient list. 

If you have coronary heart disease, you may get some relief from this affordable pick. The formula features EPA and DHA omega-3s to help better your heart and eye health. Burp-Less Fish Oil also appeals to the all-natural crowd, as it’s exclusively formulated with fish oil from wild-caught ocean fish. The brand confirms that it refrains from farm-raised fish usage. 

Nature Made advises those who are pregnant, nursing, or dealing with blood clotting issues to get a physician’s approval before buying this supplement. It’s also risky to take it simultaneously with prescription drugs or other dietary supplements. Doing so could cause adverse drug-nutrient reactions, reducing both the drug and supplement’s effectiveness as a result. If you’re taking blood thinning meds, ibuprofen, or aspirin, definitely consult with a doctor before adding this supplement to your routine.

Size: 200 softgels | Dosage: 2 softgels daily

As one of the better-tasting omega-3s, these softgels are ideal if you have a picky palette. Its orange flavor is a breath of fresh air that masks the typical omega-3 aftertaste. The formula has sufficient EPA and DHA, two promising omega-3s for improved cardiovascular and cognitive function. Thus, you’ll likely see positive mood, vision, and heart health changes with regular use. 

The formula’s five-star rating from International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) along with its certified sustainability mark from the Marine Stewardship Council further validate this product’s efficacy. 

The softgels tend to clump together in warmer environments. Leaving them in this setting could also unleash a fishy, unpleasant odor when you open the bottle. That’s why the brand recommends storing it in a cool, dry place to further the product’s longevity. Another way to make the product last longer is to tightly seal the bottle when you close it. This will prevent moisture from seeping in.

You might find the pill size bothersome since it’s rather large, but most omega-3 supplements are like that. The brand suggests that you eat something before consuming this product, so avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

Size: 100 softgels | Dosage: 1 softgels daily

If you’re aiming for a healthier heart, this Life Extension’s Super Omega-3 fish oil could help, as omega-3s have a natural tendency to promote healthy heart function and blood flow. This IFOS five-star certified formula can significantly improve your heart and brain health since it’s packed with optimal EPA and DHA that’s proven to benefit both. The fact that it’s non-GMO is an added plus if you prefer to stay away from genetically modified organisms. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels help lower the risk of heart disease, while high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels raise such risk. This formula’s presence of fatty acids supports healthy HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels to positively impact your heart health. Mediterranean olive and sesame extracts enhance the formula’s heart health benefits and add to its potency. 

Life Extension backs this product with a one-year money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you have ample time to return it. The brand advises individuals taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications to consult with a physician before use. The capsules may turn hard or brittle if you don’t keep them in a cold, dry place — which the brand also warns you of.

Life Extension offers three versions of this product: standard softgels, enteric-coated softgels that prevent rapid stomach dissolution, and easy-to-swallow softgels.

Size: 240 softgels | Dosage: 2 softgels twice daily

Most omega-3s come packaged as large softgels that are sometimes tough to swallow. Nature Made’s Multi + Omega-3 Gummies serve as an easier-to-swallow alternative. The chewable form consists of natural fruit flavors, vitamins, and healthy heart-promoting EPA and DHA. 

Doubling as a multivitamin, the gummies contain zinc and vitamins A through D to promote healthy eye, bone, and immune function. Each bottle features tasty lemon, orange, and strawberry gummies free of artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, synthetic dyes, and gluten.

If you’re currently pregnant or nursing, take precautions and consult with your doctor before adding these gummies to your regimen. Nature Made also warns that taking these supplements with other meds can minimize both of their effects.

Size: 140 softgels | Dosage: 2 gummies daily

Anxiety, depression, and other brain health-related issues can be tough to navigate without treatment or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful in this instance. Getting omega-3s from your diet isn’t always enough to satisfy the optimal daily value for adults, which is 250 to 1,000 milligrams according to many health organizations.

These softgels provide 1,000 milligrams of omega-3s per serving — meeting the recommended daily value — and can boost cognitive abilities like focus and memory. The premium-quality formula contains 100% pure Icelandic fish oil, which can additionally have favorable effects on joint and heart health. 

Although it offers a sufficient amount of omega-3s, the supplement’s proprietary formula lacks quantifiable evidence of its EPA and DHA contents.

Size: 90 softgels | Dosage: 1-2 softgels daily

Pure Alaska Omega’s Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil has zero mercury and artificial ingredients. It may also prove quite useful for preventing coronary heart disease. The formula contains all-natural ingredients, including extra virgin salmon oil, full-spectrum omega fatty acids, and natural triglyceride omega-3s.

Third-party tested for quality, safety, and accuracy, the brand only uses wild-caught, certified sustainable fish oil for these softgels. The extra virgin salmon oil undergoes a cold-press extraction to protect it from harmful high heat, minimizing required chemical treatments during the manufacturing process. It’s also made domestically in the U.S. 

Surprisingly, Pure Alaska Omega offers this product at an affordable price. You’d think it would cost more considering the sustainable practices used to manufacture the product. As for the supplement’s taste, you might experience fishy burps with this one. 

Further, you may have a hard time finding this product without a Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Wholesale Club membership, as Pure Alaska Omega’s website indicates you can only find the supplement at these three stores. The brand doesn’t even have a shop function on its site. A quick Google search may show that it’s available at Walmart but from third-party suppliers who have no confirmed affiliation with the brand.

Size: 180 softgels | Dosage: 2 softgels daily

Most omega-3 supplements place an emphasis on bettering heart and brain health. Although it offers heart health benefits, O.N.E. Omega primarily targets your joint health and connective tissue integrity. This once-daily dose formula contains triglyceride-form EPA/DHA that both support healthy blood flow and lipid metabolism. Its omega-3s undergo a supercritical CO2-based extraction process that contributes to the fish oil’s purely concentrated nature.

Most standard omega-3 supplements pose a risk for pregnant or lactating mothers. This supplement is no different, so be careful if you’re expecting or on other medications. O.N.E. Omega also leans toward the expensive end of the spectrum.

You get 30 softgels with the lower-quantity bottle, which can cause you to question if it’s worth the price. Also, brace yourselves for the supplement’s strong fishy smell. Perhaps with oils from six different fish and squid, this is to be expected, though. 

Size: 60 softgels | Dosage: 1 softgels daily

Alas, an omega-3 supplement that’s safe for expectant mothers. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA is one of the few available prenatal omega-3s on the market. You can take it if you’re pregnant or lactating without fear of major side effects. It’s also formulated to help your baby experience healthy brain development while in the womb. 

The formula contains DHA-dominant omega-3 fish oil, which supports your baby’s brain and nervous system in the developmental stages. It also has immune-boosting vitamin D3. Nordic Naturals offers unflavored and strawberry-flavored variations of this prenatal, and the softgels are smaller in size, making them easier to swallow.

This prenatal may (unfortunately) leave a fishy aftertaste. Storage instructions encourage you to place the bottle in a cool, dry place, as heat can cause the softgels to melt or clump together.

Size: 90 softgels | Dosage: 2 softgels daily

The omega of them all

Omega-3s have a great deal of science-backed benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to brain health. Fish oil supplements can complement an omega-3-rich diet by ensuring that you receive a healthy dosage of the fatty acid each day. It can also make up for a lack of nutritional omega-3s as an alternative source. 

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is the only supplement on this list available in softgel and liquid form. Its versatility and well-rounded ingredients for total wellness support set it apart from the rest. Ultimate Omega received extra brownie points for its lemon flavor, masking the fishy aftertaste that most omega-3 supplements emit. If you’re pregnant, lactating, or not a fan of large-size pills, you may want to consider other recommendations on our list to find a more suitable choice.

How to pick the right omega-3 supplements for you

Finding the right omega-3 supplement for you requires a closer look into ingredients and quality standards. Keep the following factors in mind when weighing your options:

Ingredients

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This classifies as one of the three main omega-3 fatty acids, extracted straight from the source (e.g., fish).
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA is another omega-3 that’s found in fatty fish. 
• Vitamins A and D. These vitamins, which can be found in omega-3 supplements, can support eye health, boost the immune system, and more. 

Quality considerations

• Sustainable ingredient certification. Certifications from the IFOS and Marine Stewardship Council are positive indicators of product sustainability. 
• Taste and smell. Certain formulaic qualities, such as natural flavors and special coating, can hide a fishy smell and aftertaste.
• Shelf stability. Many omega-3 softgels share a common need to be stored in cool, dry environments. Excessive warmth or moisture may lead to melted or clumped-together pills.

FAQs

Which omega-3 supplement is best? 

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega provides the most versatility with its softgel and liquid variations. Other softgels can be just as beneficial in supporting healthy brain and heart function.

Is it good to take a daily omega-3 supplement?

Yes, Certified Holistic Nutritionist Emily Zorn, MS, RD recommended it. According to Zorn, “Many people do not consume [nearly] enough fatty fish to reach the recommended amounts.”

What’s the difference between fish oil and omega-3?

Fish oil is the umbrella term for oil that derives from fatty fish tissue. Omega-3s describe three particular fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3-rich foods generally provide sufficient ALA, explaining its absence in many omega-3 supplements.